ceiling colour advice and inspiration

Should you match the ceiling colour to the walls? What classic ‘safe’ colours should you use if you’re going for a neutral look? Can you brighten up your room by painting the ceiling?

These are all common questions to ask when considering freshening up that pesky 5^th wall. Fortunately, we do know a thing or two about ceiling paint colours, so we put together this guide to help you make the right choice about which ceiling colour reflects your interior design needs and, of course, your shining personality.

where to start?

It can be difficult to visualise which ceiling paint colours will really compliment your home’s interior and especially if you’re working with a bold colour palette. Before you make any decisions, you should ask yourself the following questions.

do I need to paint my ceiling?

There’s a reason why ceilings are often thought of as a fifth wall – with the right ceiling colour you can dramatically change the aesthetic and feel of a space.

If your ceiling colour is starting to look dull and lacklustre, or you’re simply itching for a change, repainting your ceiling could give the room a whole new lease of life. A fresh lick of quality ceiling paint is one of the quickest ways to brighten up a room and hide any visible imperfections.

But first, you’ll need to ensure that the surface has been primed and cleaned for painting, which could entail filling or sealing any noticeable imperfections. You’ll also need to make sure you have the right amount of paint for the job.

what colour should I paint my ceiling?

While colour is always subjective and the possibilities are endless, we’ve broken down the most popular choices into a few categories. White is a timeless and traditional ceiling colour, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to conventions!

painting the ceilings and walls the same colour

Painting your ceilings the same colour but a few shades darker or lighter than your walls has some unique advantages. Not only is it an easy decoration choice, but with this seamless look in lighter colours, you can lift the ceiling height and remove some of the contrast between the walls and ceiling, making other colours in the room pop beautifully. With darker colours in a small room, you can also envelop the space in a rich, warm colour to create a cosy, intimate vibe.

For this option, be aware of texture! This method works best in rooms with flat, untextured ceilings compared to scalloped ceilings. If your room has crown moulding, however, painting it a glossy white is a tasteful way to create breaks in the colour scheme without drawing too much attention.

white and light ceilings

White colours such as Wimborne White, Loft White and Wevet are some of our most popular ceiling paint colours.

As a general rule of thumb, stick to white and lighter ceiling colours if your room is lacking natural light or you’re working with a small space. Psychological research shows that you can play with people’s perceptions of a room by altering the lightness of a ceiling.  White ceilings are a brilliant technique to incorporate more light into a room as they reflect an equal or greater amount of light than your walls. So if you’re aiming to create an illusion of depth or brighten up the room, white ceiling paint is a great choice.

You might also want to pick a lighter hue if there’s already a lot going on in the room texture-wise and in the way of colours and patterns. Adding another bright colour to a mix of eye-catching décor, furniture, walls and upholstery could run the risk of colour clashes and conflicting undertones. What’s more, white is the perfect colour to conceal any imperfections along the ceiling.

dark ceilings, light walls

While there are many reasons why you might want to paint your ceiling white, this isn’t the only option. Using a bold ceiling colour can inject some drama and personality into a room, or make it feel nice and cosy. A darker ceiling will lower the ceiling height and create the illusion of intimacy, which is perfect if your ceiling is particularly high.

You can also create an interior full of personality by picking out a darker shade paired with white walls. This bold choice says a lot about you and will make your home stand out with its striking contrast. Again, crown moulding or other decorative detailing can work really well with this technique, making the ornamentation leap out.

what finish is best for ceilings?

So now you’ve got an idea of which ceiling paint colours might be best for the job, what finish is the best for ceilings?

The most popular finishes for ceilings are a matt or durable matt finish due to their pigmentation. The right number of coats of ceiling paint should be durable enough to hide any discolouration and avoid cracks or peeling and a matt finish provides this, plus a rich, velvety look.

Another option is going for a soft sheen. It’s more reflective than a matt finish and will bounce more light around the room – but be careful as the glossier the paint, the more attention will be drawn to the ceiling, and you don’t want to highlight any lumps or bumps.

ceiling colour inspiration

We hope this short guide has demonstrated that ceiling colours don’t have to be boring! Whether you’re going for a classic or contrasting look, you can make a statement that will coordinate perfectly with your home’s architecture, wall colours and furnishings. The best part is that there are so many colours to choose from!

Explore our blog for more painting inspiration.